Hamakua Coast
Hawaii Island
The Island of Hawaii is the largest and youngest of the inhabited Hawaiian Islands. It is famous for its natural wonders like Mauna Loa, the largest volcano on earth, and Mauna Kea, the tallest mountain on earth.
Source: US Geological Service.
Hamakua Coast
Hamakua, meaning “Breath of God,” is located between Hilo and Waipi'o Valley on the northeastern side of the island of Hawaii. The term Hāmākua Coast is used loosely to describe the region between Hilo and Waipiʻo, between Laupāhoehoe and ʻŌʻōkala. It’s very different from popular tourist areas in that it has no sandy beaches, the coast line is jagged and rocky. It’s beaches are difficult to get to by vehicle, and are generally rocky and dangerous. But the mountains provide a different beauty, the mountain trails and the waterfalls. In that regard, the Hamakua Coast is one of the most beautiful stretches of scenery on the island. On this particular vacation trip I visited the famous Hamakua Coast of the Hawaii island. It is famous for its many waterfalls, and I picked a weekend to go after a week of rain, which brings rainbows and beautiful waterfalls.
Akaka Falls
I travelled to “Akaka” Falls first, it is a 30 mile drive north of Hilo. Once in Akaka State Park it was a bit of a hike into the woods, but the trails were very “civilized” with concrete sidewalks, concrete steps and metal safety rails. The hiking guide stated it takes 30 minutes, but I think I took much longer due to frequent stops for pictures and videos. Akaka Falls is 422 feet high, so one of the highest waterfalls in the USA.
Akaka Falls
Akaka Falls
Akaka Falls
Rainbow Falls
Next we went to “Rainbow Falls” which was actually inside the city limits of Hilo and very pretty. It was a short drive to the northern area of the city, and the falls is a short 50 yard walk from the parking lot. Plus it was a paved walkway with handicap ramp also.
Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls
Boulder Falls
Then we drove north again to the Boulder Waterfall. It was deep in the woods of the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. The setting was green and the path paved and shaded. It was a beautiful hike and the falls were very nice.
Boulder Falls
Boulder Falls
Boulder Falls
Boulder Falls
Kama’ae Falls
Then we drove to Kama’ae Falls, and once again as we walked to the observation point we could hear the waterfall before we could see it.
Kama’ae Falls
Kama’ae Falls
Kama’ae Falls
It was a very pretty waterfall and I will try to post a video of this one and the others in another post! I hope you enjoyed my post and please Share it and tag your friends in the comments below so they can also enjoy the pictures!
Thanks!
Shortsegments
